Chapter 1648:
From her vantage point on the upper floor, Corrine observed Nate settling onto the living room sofa and felt a strong impulse to join him downstairs.
Beside her, Jules’ voice carried a soft yet foreboding tone,
“Going down dressed like that? Do you want Grandpa to give you an earful?”
Corrine was left without words.
Realizing her outfit was indeed inappropriate for the occasion, she hurried back to her room to change into something more suitable.
Re-emerging, she found Jules posted nonchalantly against the doorframe.
“You see him every day. What’s the hurry?”
“You don’t get it,” Corrine responded earnestly. “This is his first time here as the future grandson-in-law. Grandpa already has his doubts, and I’m anxious…”
“Oh, please. You’re not even married yet, and you’re already taking his side.”
Corrine shot him a look.
“Do you want a beating?”
She didn’t wait for a reply but pushed past him and strode out.
Upon descending the stairs, Corrine observed her uncles, Jayden and Waldo, seated on one of the sofas.
Nate occupied a separate sofa, appearing relaxed yet maintaining an aura of detachment.
Despite the late hour, Nate’s commanding presence filled the living room with a palpable tension.
Jayden softly cleared his throat.
“Mr. Hopkins, to what do we owe the pleasure of your late visit?”
Although he was adept at maintaining composure in challenging situations, Jayden couldn’t deny the mix of respect and wariness Nate inspired in him.
Waldo, overhearing the formal address, smirked silently, amused by Jayden’s respectful attitude toward Nate. His brother had looked at him with contempt moments ago. It was like the pot calling the kettle black.
Lɑtєѕτ cнαρτєrs ιn g𝒶l𝑛ovєls.𝗰𝒐𝓂
“Why drop by unannounced?” Corrine queried as she leaned on the armrest of Nate’s sofa.
Nate shifted to make space for her, casually draping his arm around her waist.
“I tried calling you, but you didn’t pick up.”
Corrine found herself at a loss for words.
She must have been in the bath when the call came through.
The Ford men noticed Nate’s hand resting on Corrine’s waist, and their expressions hardened slightly.
Their treasured family member seemed to be slipping away, stirring a silent fury within them.
Carl, unable to watch any longer, proposed,
“Corrine, why don’t you show Mr. Hopkins around?”
“Alright,” Corrine responded promptly.
As the pair departed, the Ford men exchanged meaningful looks.
Was Nate planning to stay the night?
Quietly, they began to plot ways to ensure Nate would leave soon.
Corrine clasped Nate’s hand as they wandered through the garden.
The night usually brought swarms of mosquitoes, but thanks to the efficient mosquito-control devices scattered around, their walk was undisturbed.
“Did you really come over just because I didn’t answer your call?” Corrine inquired, her curiosity piqued.
She was dressed in a light silk slip dress covered by a knitted cardigan, her figure softly outlined beneath the material.
Her long hair flowed behind her, moving with the breeze. Its fresh scent lingered on Nate’s suit.
.
.
.